The New Year brought new leadership to City Council committees and subcommittees. On January 11, 2018, new City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, announced the New York City Council committee chairs and leadership. City Council has 35 standing committees, which including the Committee on Land Use and Committee on Housing and Buildings.

Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr. was appointed Chair of the Committee on Land Use. Council Member Francisco Moya of District 21 was appointed Chair of the Zoning and Franchises subcommittee. Council Member Adrienne E. Adams of District 28 was appointed Chair of the Landmarks, Public Siting, and Maritime Uses subcommittee. Council Member Ben Kallos was appointed Chair of the Planning, Dispositions, and Concessions subcommittee. Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. of District 36 was appointed Chair of the Committee on Housing and Buildings.

In a statement, Speaker Johnson said: “After many active conversations with Council Members, stakeholders, city leaders and advocates, we are proud to appoint the leadership and committee chairs that reflect the diversity and priorities of New York City. These committees will be critical to strengthening oversight, negotiating the City budget, examining and debating legislation, engaging the public and asserting the Council’s independence. Our commitment is to empower committees and members to ensure all voices are heard within the Council.”

Council Member Salamanca said: “I’m incredibly proud to have the confidence of the Speaker and my colleagues to serve as the Land Use Chair for this session. Our city is at a crossroads, including my community in the South Bronx. This body…should be on the front lines on shaping the planning, development and all other land use actions in a way that listens to and addresses the concerns of all New Yorkers… I’m ready to roll up my sleeves, visit as many neighborhoods as I can and most importantly, listen on how I can help to shape land use for the five boroughs over the next four years. Let’s get to work.”

Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. Image Credit: NY City Council

Council Member Cornegy said: “As Chair of the Housing & Buildings Committee, Democratic Conference Chair, Chair of the Council’s M/WBE Task Force, and member of the Budget Negotiating Team, I am excited at the opportunity to use these roles as platforms to amplify the voice of our minority community.”

Council Member Kallos said: “Affordable housing remains out of reach for too many New Yorkers. As the Administration continues to announce progress on preserving and building new housing, we will watch every deal closely to ensure New Yorkers are actually getting the affordable housing we need. The IBO has questioned whether the city is overstating, or worse, overpaying for affordable housing. I look forward to continuing to fight for affordable housing alongside Speaker Corey Johnson as Chair of the Subcommittee on Planning, Dispositions, and Concessions by ensuring every hard-earned tax dollar is maximized to drive a hard bargain and generate significantly more affordable housing. I also plan to ensure this committee empowers communities in the planning process, creates opportunities for minority and women-owned small businesses, and produces a full return on any city land and resources we give up.”

The subcommittees will have their first meeting today, Tuesday, January 23rd.

By: Dorichel Rodriguez (Dorichel is the CityLaw Fellow and a New York Law School Graduate, Class of 2017.)